Two-year-old hit by firecracker dies

Mishap: Abdul Rahman with one of his children relating the incident of his youngest son's death.

SIMPANG RENGGAM - What was supposed to be a Hari Raya joy turned into sadness for Abdul Rahman Endot's family when his two-year-old son died after being hit by a firecracker.

The 43-year-old technician was bringing his son to a marhaban session when he parked his motorcycle under a tree at his neighbour's house on the first day of Syawal.

He was carrying Mohd Hafi Rayan Abdul Rahman when the incident took place at around 12.45pm Monday.

"I had just parked my motorcycle when suddenly, a long cylinder-shaped firecracker bounced off my motorcycle handlebar and hit my son before it exploded with a loud bang. Then I saw my youngest son bleeding profusely.

"He sustained a 6cm-side tear on the left side of his chest," he said at his home in Kampung Ithnin Maarof here yesterday.

The child was sent to the Simpang Renggam health clinic, where he was declared dead at 1.17pm.

Abdul Rahman, who suffered injuries to his lips, neck and ear from the incident, said Mohd Hafi Rayan had been very excited about Hari Raya and could not sleep the night before.

"He was among the earliest to wake on the first day of Hari Raya and pestered me to bring him along to join the marhaban session.

"Nobody expected such a happy occasion to turn into a tragedy, but our family has come to terms that my son is now in a better place," he said, adding that his son was buried at the village's Muslim cemetery on the same day.

The father-of-three added that his youngest son was a smart and talkative boy who could already tell time at such a young age.

Kluang OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Roze Shaari said residue from the firecracker had been sent for forensic analysis.

"We believe that it is a type of firecracker not commonly found in the local market," he said.

ACP Mohd Roze urged those with information to come forward to help in the investigation.